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FEBRUARY 2014

Volume 28.2


St. Johns
United Church of Christ

St. Johns is a community of faith
centered in Jesus Christ, seeking
guidance and direction through the
Holy Spirit, and demonstrating
Gods love to all people in words
and deeds.

An Open and Affirming
Congregation

503 Stuart Circle
Richmond, Virginia 23220
Telephone: 804.358.9291
Email:
stjohnsrichmondoffice@verizon.net

Web Site:
stjohnsrichmond.org
















Published monthly
2013 St Johns UCC






From Rev. Tom Gerstenlauer...
While still working in the business world I
became acquainted with the thinking of W.
Edwards Deming. Deming was an engineer
and mathematician who was best known for
the development of a quality improvement
process called PDCA: Plan-Do-Check-Act.
Generally speaking, PDCA is a positive
approach to quality control and organizational
improvement. I learned to apply this process
and to use statistical process control in my
work in the trucking industry.
Shortly after my ordination into this ministry, I
learned about another positive process for
organizational development called Apprecia-
tive Inquiry (AI). I use the term process with
caution here; AI involves the art and practice
of asking questions that strengthen a
systems capacity to apprehend, anticipate,
and heighten positive potential. (from
Appreciative Inquiry Commons, an online
introduction to AI) So AI, while developed as
a process at the Weatherhead Scholl of Management Case Western Reserve Univer-
sity, is identifiable as a practice and even an art by those who teach about it. Its four
letter acronym is Discovery-Dream-Design-Destiny.
I have seen the results of the use of AI in churches. A prominent UCC church,
Federated Church of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, engaged in an Appreciative Inquiry retreat in
2003 and just prior to calling its current senior pastor. I have had some interaction with
this church over the years since and invite you to check them out online. I have also
worked with basic AI projects at some UCC churches in Michigan and Ohio.
Most recently I have learned about a special AI approach, called Appreciative Way,
synthesized for transitional ministry. This approach is described as a transformational
way of "being and seeing" that leads to a life-giving way of "doing" in the world. The
church council has graciously agreed to support my training in this Appreciative Way,
with the objective of bringing a new practice to St. Johns during its transitional period.
I will incorporate this AI approach into the interim ministry and facilitate retreats for
church leaders and other church groups during this period.
Each of these positive, affirming approaches to business, organizations and communi-
ties has helped me to appreciate the inherent and positive capacity we have as children
of God. I cannot think of a more appropriate quote with which to end my letter than one
from another letter, by Paul to the church in Philippi: Summing it all up, friends, Id say
youll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable,
authentic, compelling, graciousthe best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly;
things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what
you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work
together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. (4:8-9 The Message)
Peace be with you all, and always!
2 The Messenger | FEBRUARY 2014
...from the President
It is hard to believe that January is about gone and we know that 2014
will be gone in a flash.
Thanks to Sonny Darnell and all the volunteers who decorated our
church so beautifully for the Advent Season and took on the daunting
task of the de-greening process. Sometimes it is sad to see our
beautiful sanctuary back to normal.
Thanks to Desiree McNiece and Kim Vann who organized our
3
rd
Annual Chili cook-off. The choice of chilis was great and Arthur
Dewey was our winner this year.
A report from our Stewardship Drive has us with 56 pledges and a
total of $118.000 pledged to date. If you have not given your pledge,
please do so. We thank all those who pledged and know your love of
St. Johns reflects your gift.
CARITAS starts on February 22nd and runs for 9 weeks thru April
18
th
. We hope you will volunteer your time to spend time with our
guests. There will be sign-up sheets in the parlor. We need two
volunteers each night Wednesday Sunday night from 5:30-7:00 pm.
Our neighbors from First English Lutheran Church so graciously take
charge on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Diane Semach, our Administrator will be out from January 27 through
the month of February to have hip replacement surgery. We wish her
the very best and we will keep you updated as to her recovery! There
will be volunteers covering the office during her recovery. The office
hours will be similar to hers, but please bear with us with any chang-
es, as we want to accommodate our volunteers as to hours which are
good for them. Please know there will be someone in the office every
day and business will be conducted as usual.
Church Council is pleased to recommend for the congregations ap-
proval Vivian White to fulfill the term of Allen Caraher (ends May 31,
2014). We thank Allen for his years of support to St. Johns but know
with a beautiful young family who need him, we do understand, but
certainly miss him. See more information about Vivian in the next
column.

May God bring you many blessings.
Betsy Bighinatti
Council President

Members of
Church Council
Betsy Bighinatti, President
Jeff Hetzer, Vice President
Helena DeLigt, Secretary
Bryan Anderegg
Marjorie Barbour
Teresa Jolles Desiree McNeice
Kenn Shirley Dreama Terrill
Bill Watson Karen-Marie Yust
Members of Pastoral
Relations Committee



Lex Tartaglia, Chair
Elisabeth Burnette
Marjorie Barbour
Billy Poarch
RELATIONS COMMITTEE
February Church Council Meeting
The February Church Council meeting is scheduled for
Monday, February 10th at 7:00 pm.

Special Called Business Meeting
February 9, 2014 - Noon
This is notification that there will be a congregational
meeting on February 9th to elect a Church Council
member to fill a vacancy left by Allen Caraher. Vivian
While has been recommended by Council to fill the
vacancy. Here is Vivians biography:













Vivian White was born and raised in Richmond,
Virginia and was a member of St. John's until she
attended California Institute of the Arts. She married
Ray White and they have 2 daughters - Erica and
Emily. Vivian and Ray lived in Berkeley, California
for 15 years, then moved back to Richmond to be
closer to her parents. Vivian has worked for the
International Mission Board since 1988 as a graphic
designer. She has enjoyed teaching ESL in
Thailand, during her vacations, for the past 7 years.
Vivian came back to St. John's in 2009 and is happy
to be at her home church. She participates in
CARITAS, the Welcome Team, enjoys working in
the kitchen, doing OktoberFest publicity and is chair
of the Wedding Committee.
3 The Messenger | FEBRUARY 2014





(Congregations Around Richmond
Involved To Assure Shelter)

Our congregation has agreed to be an INTAKE CENTER
for CARITAS February 22th through April 19, 2014.
The CARITAS guests will be gathering in our
Fellowship Hall every evening (approx. 5:30-7pm) during
that time period.
We need volunteers Wednesday thru Sunday during the
entire time period. You will be welcoming our guests,
providing any care that they may need, offering coffee or
snacks, etc. (First English Church will send volunteers
for Monday and Tuesday nights).
We need at least two volunteers per night.
Sign-up sheets are located in the Parlor so that you can
help in a way that works for your schedule.
TRAINING SESSIONS will be February 16
th
and
February 23
rd
in the kitchen after church. We encourage
all volunteers to attend one session.
If you cannot volunteer you may want to consider
donating supplies for this mission.
8 ounce cups
Creamora
Napkins
coffee
toilet paper
cookies/snacks
Please leave in the kitchen and label CARITAS

Thanks for your help
Richard Bighinatti
CARITAS Chairman

Christmas Fund For
Veterans Of The Cross
The Veterans of the Cross offering on Christmas Eve is one
way to express our gratitude to God and to retired servants of
the church whose pensions and other benefits are meager
despite years of service within our churches. Through your
generous donations, St. Johns raised $392 for this special
ministry of compassion and care.
Souper Bowl of Caring
In Romans 12:13 we are told: Share with Gods people who
are in need. Practice hospitality. This congregation
certainly obeys that command.

As you are probably aware, February 2 is the FOOTBALL
Super Bowl. Our church will also have our S-O-U-P-E-R
Bowl (of Caring). The Souper Bowl of Caring is a
faith-based crusade against hunger. We are joining other
churches, schools, organizations and individuals across the
country to fight hunger and poverty by collecting dollars in
soup pots. What is collected stays in the community to help
fight hunger, but we report our total to the Souper Bowl of
Caring headquarters so that they can come up with a grand
total.

Rev. Dr. Brad Smith, the founder of Souper Bowl of Caring,
said, "It is a way for young people to put Gods love into
action by developing a heart for helping others. The goal is
for these young people to see they can make a difference
and for them to continue contributing through volunteerism
when they reach adulthood."

In 2013, over 8,000 groups raised over $7 million for soup
kitchens, food banks and other helping charities. Since the
Souper Bowl of Caring began in 1990, over $98 million has
been given to help those in need. The Souper Bowl of
Caring most often benefits local food banks and soup
kitchens, but world hunger organizations, denominational
missions and other international ministries have also been
recipients of Souper Bowl of Caring dollars. Our collection
will go to The Virginia Food Bank. May God bless our gifts.

St. Johns Youth will be collecting
donations on February 2, 2014
for the Virginia Food Bank!
Adult Ed
The Churchs Next Rummage Sale??
This is not referring to our next St. Johns Basement Sale! It
is a phrase used by Phyllis Tickle in the Embracing series
studied by the Sunday morning Adult formation class at 9:45.
This class has studied Embracing a Life of Meaning by
Kathleen Norris, Embracing Spiritual Awakening by Diana
Butler Bass, and now is beginning the study Embracing
Emergence Christianity by Phyllis Tickle. In her book, The
Great Emergence, Ms. Tickle says that every 500 years, the
church cleans out its attic and has a giant rummage sale.
Through her years
of study, analysis,
and observation,
Phyllis Tickle
shares with us the
history of the
churchs transitions
and her belief that
we are now in a
pivotal time in the
life of the church
one that promises
great challenge and
a hopeful vision for
a vibrant future, and
one that requires a
time for cleaning
out and embracing
the treasures we
find in the process.
Join the Sunday morning class as they begin this exciting
adventure together.



Children/Youth Ministry in February
Come, Follow Me!

All fall, our children explored what it means to follow the Good
Shepherd.
Now its time
to continue
our journey
by joining
Jesus'
disciples as
they follow
him and
listen to his
stories.
Throughout
the months
of February and March, the children will experience what it means
to be called by Jesus and reenact many of the stories Jesus told as
he went from village to town teaching and preaching with his
disciples in tow. This month, we will heed Jesus' call, "Come, follow
me" and explore the story of the Good Samaritan.

Older children will continue to learn about each of the twelve
disciples. So far, they have studied Simon Peter, Andrew, James
and John. Up this month are Phillip, Bartholomew, and Thomas.







Can you find
the names of
the twelve
disciples?








Youth will continue meeting with their leaders to discuss themes
from the lectionary readings.




The Messenger | FEBRUARY 2014
4

5 The Messenger | FEBRUARY 2014
Covenant Care Groups:
#1 Billy Poarch 359-6131
#2 Adrianne Dery 262-7072
#3 Lex Tartaglia 369-9171
#4 Kim Vann 323-9086
#5 Bryan Anderegg 317-1941
Lynda Merry 756-0270
#6 Rob Osborn 795-2058
Helena DeLigt 795-2058
#7 Cheryl Goode 901-6594
#8 Jo Ann Jellison 525-5536
Johanna Gilbert 270-6056
#9 Ginna & Sam Dalton 378-3386
Rev. Gerstenlauer - 358-9291
Julia Eliades - 358-9291
Church Council:
Betsy Bighinatti - 379-3572
Facilities:
Richard Bighinatti - 379-3572
Finance:
Jeff Hetzer - 550-3928
Worship & Music:
Kenn Shirley - 502-1002
Mission and Outreach:
Bill Watson - 873-2837
Membership Development:
Dreama Terrill - 972-5669
St. Johns Financial Picture YTD as of 12-31-13
Christian Formation:
Bryan Anderegg - 317-1941
Community Development::
Desiree McNeice - 323-9086
Congregational Care:
Helena DeLigt - 795-2058
Weddings:
Vivian White - 379-2049
The Fellowship:
Joe McGregor - 364-4078
German Fest:
Jeff Jacobs - 355-1115
St. Johns Players:
Tony Sharpenstein - 762-4870

C
O
N
T
A
C
T
S

IN-KIND Donations to St. Johns
Do you know that if you donate goods or services to St. Johns your donations must meet the standard charitable organization
rules as outlined by the Federal Accounting Standards Board (FASB) which includes the following criteria:
(1) the donation must be useful;
(2) the service creates or enhances a non-financial asset;
(3) the services require specialized skills and are provided by individuals with those skills.
Providing IN-KIND services and materials require review and approval from St. Johns UCC prior to acceptance. Only signed,
approved donation forms are acceptable as acknowledgement of in-kind donations. Pick up an IN KIND form in the office.
Budget Actual

Income

Pledge Payments* $120,000 $109,828
Cash Offerings $20,000 $32,555
Other Income (Endowment Contributions $121,775 $126,675
Parking Lot Rental, Wedding Income, etc.)

Total Income $261,775 $269,058


Expenses
Personnel 174,239 162,982
Committees 20,740 20,023
Operations/Maintenance 111,098 106,154
Local Benevolences 8,325 5,899
Other 9,600 9,600

Total Expenses 324,002 304,658

Income/Expenses Total (62,227) (35,600)
surplus (deficit)

* 55 pledging households.
Deficit to be covered by Endowment Fund and General Reserve Fund
6 The Messenger | FEBRUARY 2014
February Lectionary Readings
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
February 2, 2014

Michah 6:1-8

Psalm 15
1 Cor 1:18-31 Matthew 5:1-12
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
February 9, 2014

Isaiah 58:1-9a

Psalm 112:1-9
1 Cor 2:1-12 Matthew 5:13-20
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
February 16 , 2014

Deut 30:15-20

Psalm 119:1-8
1 Cor. 3:1-9

Matthew 5:21-37
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
February 23, 2014

Lev 19:1-2, 9-18

Psalm 119:33-40
1 Cor. 3:10-11,
16-23

Matthew 5:38-48
St. Bartholom
German Everlasting Candle
Johan Gunter - Walldurn-Baden Germany

This German everlasting candle is called everlasting because
one does not burn the decorative outer top wick of the candle, but
rather by removing the decorative candle top to reveal another
internal smaller candle stick that is housed inside a special spring
loaded cylinder tube candle holder that pushes the candle stick
higher as it burns. The internal candle stick is then replaced as
needed, after it burns away. When the candle is not in use, the
decorative candle top piece is placed on top to cover the inside
candle stick that is used for burning, thus keeping the decorative
candle intact and therefore keeping the decorative candle
everlasting. These highly decorative everlasting candles were
made out of solid wax and hand-painted by artists in a small town
factory in Walldurn-Baden, Germany.

This German everlasting candle was donated to St Johns UCC
by Brent Trefsgar in December of 2013, in hopes that it would be
kept on display (currently in the Parlor) for all to see and enjoy.
This candle belongs to Brents mother, who acquired the candle
around 1972, at the small factory where these German candles are
made, while the family was still living in Germany. This candle depicts the image of the Catholic pilgrimage church of St.
Bartholomew, named for the Apostle, patron of alpine farmers and dairymen, near the Bavarian town of Berchtesgaden in
the Alp Mountains of south Germany and not far from Salzburg, Austria,. The St. Batholoma church rests on a beautiful
little peninsula on the shores of Koenigssee (Kings Lake), now a German National Park. The original church was built in
the year 1134, and later in 1697 it underwent reconstruction to add two more onion dome roof tops.
7 The Messenger | FEBRUARY 2014
St Johns 3
rd
Annual Chili Cook-off Was A Success!
We had 8 Chili entries in our 3
rd
Annual Chili Cook-off. The Chili recipes ranged from
vegetarian to spicy and there was plenty to share during the fellowship that followed.
JoAnn Jellison, Betsy Bighinatti, Gary Beasley, Arthur Dewey, Steve and Barbara
Plymale, Justin Barbour, Elisabeth Burnette and Jeff Jacobs all participated in the cook-
off. This year the Chili was judged on appearance, use of ingredients, aroma, taste and
after taste. Our judges for the cook-off, Kenn Shirley, Alexa Slonin and Mike Woods did
a fabulous job tasting and scoring each pot of Chili. They unanimously agreed each
participants Chili was a winner in its own right. After much consideration, Arthurs BBQ
Chili was awarded FIRST place! This is the second year in a row that Arthur has taken
home the first place honors. Garys Spicy Chili came in second and Barbara and Steve
Plymales took home the third place honors with their vegetarian black bean Chile.
A big thank you goes out to all of our 2014 participants, judges and Kim Vann for helping to organizing the event.
Inclement Weather Procedure
Should we get winter weather and are forced to
cancel worship, please watch for our listing on
channel 12 TV, call the churchs main phone
number at (804)358-9291 and listen to the
recording, or check your email for an e-blast.
We rejoice in the baptism of
ALEXANDER BENJAMIN WARD
Son of Chris and Abby Ward on January 19, 2014!











Everyone is invited to the February FELLOWSHIP on Wednesday
February 12, 2014 at 10:30 am (NOTE THAT WE ARE MEETING ON
WEDNESDAY...NOT THURSDAY!).

Joe McGregor will be talking to us about some tips and tricks when
using computers. Even if you are a computer expert...or, if you never
touch the things...this will be a fun and interesting morning with some
wonderful Christian friends!

Lunch will be served after the presentation.

Please RSVP to the church office (358-9291) if you plan on attending.
I want to thank you all for your prayers,
cards and visits after my fall on
November 20 last year.

It has been a slow process. I am
thankful to say though, I fell a little
stronger each day. And I am thankful
that I am able to write with my left
hand again.
Sincerely,
Chris Krausse
8
The Messenger | FEBRUARY 2014


This is Faye Barnowe from Albany,
California. In the Summer she asked
our church to send her a postcard (her
mother is a UCC minister) from
Richmond. She was working on a
school project trying to get postcards
from all 50 states.

Well, we did, and apparently so did a
lot of other people!

Stop by the bulletin board outside the
Pastors office to read the card we re-
ceived from Faye, and find out all
about her and her project.

Its a blessing to reach out!

(check out the God is Still Speaking
card right above her head!)








Rev. Harvey Joyner, Pastor of
First Congregational Christian
United Church of Christ
Midlothian, VA

Our sister-church (First Congregational UCC)
here in the Richmond area has just celebrated
the 5th Anniversary of the service of its pastor,
Rev. Harvey Joyner! On Sunday, February 9
Rev. Joyner and our Rev. Gerstenlauer will
exchange pulpits as a way of encouraging a
stronger relationship between the two
congregations. Please come out and support
Rev. Joyner here at St. Johns on February 9
(as we pray that the congregation at First
Congregational will do for Rev. Tom!)
Please find a substitute if you are unable to perform your ministry and contact
your team coordinator AND the office to let them know who will be filling in for
you. Thank you for making our church ministries run smoothly!
Welcome
Team
Leader
Sound
System
Acolytes Lay
Readers
Fellowship
Hosts
Nursery
Helpers
Tellers
Facilities

February 2

Richard
Bighinatti

Jo Ann
Jellison

Lydia Woods

Julie Wilkinson
JoAnn Jellison

Vivian White

Melissa &
Dan
Mascher

Jeff Jacobs
Iola Miller

Richard
Bighinatti



February 9

Justin Barbour

David
Pittman

Josh Lyle

Sal Anselmo
Joe McGregor

Ward Family

TBA



Justin Barbour

February 16


Justin Barbour

David
Pittman

Josh Lyle

Jeff Jacobs
Gil Caldwell

TBA

Laura Totty

Justin Barbour

February 23

Lynn Snyder

Dreama
Terrill

Hank Allen
Cammie
Allen
Eddie Allen

Erin Burnette
Florence Cross

Cook Family

Marjorie &
Justin
Barbour

Joe
McGreggor


February 2 February 9 February 16 February 23
Elisabeth
Burnette

To order fresh flowers to be placed on the altar in honor of a special occasion or
person or in remembrance of someone, please sign-up on the flower chart on the
bulletin board in the hallway near the nursery or contact Sonny Darnell at
743-7528 or kenandsonny@comcast.net
$45.00 for two beautiful bouquets.
Fellowship Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696
Tellers Coordinator: Bud Higgins 301-5059
Lay Readers Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696


9 The Messenger | FEBRUARY 2014
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
5 Sean Patrick Barbour
7 Griffin Allen
10 Kristina Gilbert
10 Helen Voelcker Barrett
11 Dan Trent
17 Helena DeLigt

17 William Brody Davis
18 Linda Stiegler
21 Bryan Totty
24 Bud Higgins
25 Shirley Townsend
27 Bettie Staton
2014








1
3-5 SJP


2


9:45am Christian
Formation
11 am Worship
SOUPER BOWL OF
CARING

3


4
10 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting


5
5 pm Card Ministry
5:30 pm NA
7 pm WEBS

6
11:30 am NA Meeting

7 pm Choir Rehearsal


7


8
8:30 am India Orthodox
Church

3-5 SJP
9
9:45am Christian
Formation
11 am Worship
Rev. Harvey Joyner
Noon - Confirmation
10
Church Council 7 pm
11
10 am Staff Mtg.
11:30 am NA Meeting
5:30 Search Team
12
10:30 THE
FELLOWSHIP
5 pm Card Ministry
5:30 pm NA
7 pm WEBS
13
11:30 am NA Meeting

7 pm Choir Rehearsal
14

15

16
9 am Breakfast
9:45 am C Formation
11 am Worship
Noon CARITAS training

WM BYRD HOUSE
DONATIONS DUE
17

18
10 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting

19
5 pm Card Ministry
5:30 pm NA
7pm WEBS

20
11:30 am NA Meeting
5:30 pm Worship &
Music Meeting
7 pm Choir Rehearsal
21



22

3-5 SJP

CARITAS

23
9:45 am Christian
Formation
11 am Worship
Noon CARITAS training
CARITAS
Noon Confirmation
24

CARITAS
25
10 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting
5:30 Search Team
CARITAS

26
5 pm Card Ministry
5:30 pm NA
7 pm WEBS

CARITAS
27


CARITAS

28


CARITAS

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